Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).

'EXPECTED' OUSTER. Former SC chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno speaks at a forum at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in Pasig City on May 17, 2018. File photo by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Opposition lawmakers expected the Supreme Court (SC) to affirm its ouster of former chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, describing the High Court as “compromised” and a “lackey” of Malacañang.

Akbayan Representative Tom Villarin, Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate, and Anakpawis Representative Ariel Casilao were among the legislators who opposed the SC vote to uphold the removal of Sereno from office through a quo warranto petition.

“It was fait accompli as we are dealing with a compromised Supreme Court that had their hands tied down by mundane personal interests,” said Villarin, who belongs to the independent minority bloc in the House of Representatives.

“It is a consequence of unabashed worship of dictatorial rule where dissent is quashed while still in the mind, never to be spoken. We are in the cusp of legal oblivion where power matters over pure reason,” said Villarin.

(This is a dark page in the history of the Supreme Court. Here, we can really see that the Supreme Court has become compromised. And will no longer be surprising if in the future, the Supreme Court will just follow the whims of the occupant of Malacañang.)

(What we call as rule of justice has now become now uncertain. And we cannot blame the people if they think that they cannot get justice from the Supreme Court and the judiciary.)

Casilao, for his part, said the people could no longer count on pro-people" rulings from the High Court.

“While it is active in deciding on political issues favoring the regime, it snail crawls on issues directly hounding the people such as the LRT fare hike, Meralco power rate hike and the TRAIN law. Similarly, no pro-people decision could be expected from the SC,” said Casilao.

He urged the public to continue fighting for democracy.

“On this atmosphere of collusion between the executive, the judiciary and even the legislative, thus, leading to an authoritarian and undemocratic regime, Anakpawis urges the people to take the task of protecting and upholding democracy, basic rights and sovereignty, the very pillars this country is supposed to be founded on, and which the branches are obviously trampling upon,” he said.

Would you like to share your vote?

Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).